Robert McHugh jailed for robbery of visually impaired man

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Robert McHugh to four years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions. The proceedings were reported on 3 March 2016.

McHugh pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing Martin O'Brien of groceries at the Luas stop at Busáras on Store Street. The robbery took place on 30 March 2015.

Garda Kieran O’Rourke told Paul Carroll BL, prosecuting, that the victim had no sight in one eye and partial sight in the other. The report described McHugh punching him in the face and head-butting him before taking the groceries. Judge Greally said the victim’s cane was in full view and his visual difficulties were evident. McHugh had 139 previous convictions.

McHugh told gardaí he had no recollection of what happened and had just drunk a bottle of vodka. Garda O’Rourke agreed he had no problem with McHugh when he was sober. Anne Marie Lawlor BL, defending, said her client was seeking residential treatment for alcohol addiction. The judge accepted he was in dire need of help but said she could not ignore the violent and serious nature of the offence.